Project Update

Caltrans has been studying the environmental impacts of adding Express Lanes along SR 94 between I-805 and Downtown San Diego. The addition of these Express Lanes would support the planned South Bay Rapid service, as well as carpools and vanpools along the route.

Local and state representatives, as well as community stakeholders, along the project alignment have recently requested that Caltrans and SANDAG consider incorporating community-based alternatives into the SR 94 Express Lanes Draft Environmental Impact Report. Specifically, we have been asked to study buses on shoulders options, general purpose lane conversions and access to transit from local communities along SR 94.

The proposed Bus on Shoulder Project addresses the community’s request to study buses on shoulders in the SR 94/I-805 corridor on an interim basis. Caltrans will also be analyzing a general lane conversion alternative and providing direct access to existing and future Rapid services from the communities along SR 94, which requires evaluation of the SR 15/SR 94 HOV direct connector.

The draft environmental document will be released for public review and comment once the additional analysis has been completed. View the agenda item from the 7/17/15 Transportation Committee.

Introduction

The SR 94 corridor is a vital east-west route in San Diego County. It serves primarily as a commuter route to and from Downtown San Diego and experiences high traffic volume during peak daily commute times.

The project also would construct operational improvements within the project limits, such as modifying interchanges, adding auxiliary lanes, and implementing safety improvements as needed. Complete Street upgrades would provide improved bicycle and pedestrian mobility at interchanges, overcrossings and undercrossings. The FasTrak® electronic toll system may be implemented in the future to allow single occupant vehicles to use the Express Lanes for a fee.

The end result would be a flexible freeway system that increases transportation choices and improves traffic and interchange operations for commuters and transit riders, and enhances connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists within the local community.

Project Goals

Increase transportation choices for commuters by providing a facility that will accommodate HOV and BRT use in the project corridor

Facilitate connections with other regional and local multimodal facilities

Improve interchange operations within the project corridor, where feasible